Also considering live and flip, or make our first home we buy an opportunity to increase our income as well (renting basement or part of the unit).

We got some limited engagement but no real leads.

It’s easy to find tenants, population/jobs are increasing, and property taxes/insurance aren’t skyrocketing. 

If the rate is reasonable then it may make sense to try to save fast to get to the 3.5% down payment on a double or triple - househacking may allow you to increase your savings rate and pay down that loan even faster.As for estimating costs, closing in NY factor at least 1% of the mortgage amount for tax, plus $1500-2000 for lawyer, title and fees, then the amount required by the bank for escrow will depend on the actual property taxes and insurance.

Live in one unit and rent out the others to cover your mortgage.Seller Financing: Negotiate terms with the property seller where they act as the lender, often requiring a smaller down payment and bypassing traditional underwriting.Partnerships or Joint Ventures: Partner with an investor who provides the capital in exchange for a share of the property’s equity or income.Lease Options: Use a rent-to-own agreement, which allows you to control the property while saving for a formal purchase.BRRRR Method (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat): Acquire a distressed property with short-term financing, rehab it to increase value, rent it out, and refinance to recoup your initial investment.Pro TipStay in close communication with your lender as you approach your next purchase.

@Ben Cochran I hope you have factored STR tax savings into your cashflow and ROI as it can be significant.Leveraging equity to purchase a short-term rental (STR) in Tampa Bay can diversify your portfolio and potentially generate strong cash flow, but it also increases your financial risk.While your properties hold significant equity, adding debt from HELOCs or a DSCR loan could strain your finances if STR performance fluctuates or costs rise.

It’s fantastic to have a Realtor and investor with expertise in new construction homes joining the community.Here’s how you can engage and collaborate with the BP community.

You can show a packet to the mayor of the city, and they'll focus on a 3d picture of the development rather than 10 bullet points on how it will increase affordable housing supply. 

If you are working with a reputable company, then you buy the property, hold the property and look up 7-10 years down the road and have a home that has increased in value and a debt that has been reduced by your renter.   

This will essentially vacate any right of tenancy the prior owner of the property may seek to engage.